Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, making history as the first American to assume the papacy. On Thursday, the 69-year-old emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he was formally introduced as Pope Leo XIV. His election follows the successful conclusion of the papal conclave, which was signaled by white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel.
Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in celebration upon witnessing the momentous occasion. Shortly afterward, Pope Leo XIV gave his first public address, delivering the traditional *Urbi et Orbi* (“To the City and the World”) blessing. In his opening remarks, he greeted the crowd with a message of peace, saying, “Peace be with all of you.”
Paying homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, the newly elected pontiff expressed his desire to continue his spiritual leadership with the same warmth and guidance that Francis displayed during his final public appearance. He highlighted the importance of unity and constructive dialogue, advocating for “building bridges through discussion.” His speech reflected his deep missionary background, as he initially spoke in Italian before transitioning to Spanish—a nod to his extensive years of service in Peru as Archbishop of Chiclayo.
As leader of the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion members, Pope Leo XIV takes on the enormous responsibility of guiding the faith during a time of both great challenges and opportunities. His election marks a transformative moment for the Church, signaling a new era of leadership and vision.